Shorties: Number 41

A story fitting for the month of Halloween. 

“Oh, Jason was so cute yesterday?” Melissa said.

Breanne replied as she began pumping the bulb to take her patient’s blood pressure, “What’d he do this time?” 

“He started trying to walk.”

“No!  Really?”

“Yes, he was standing, holding onto the couch and I was telling him what a big boy he is and he just let go and started walking to me.  I got so excited I literally squealed like little girl.”

Breanne smiled and laughed as she prepared to clean and disinfect a vein on George’s left arm.  It would soon be used to supply fluids and some drugs during George’s dental extractions.  Breanne’s face was covered by the surgical mask she wore.  Melissa’s mask was pulled down and exposed her nose but covered her mouth.  George couldn’t help but look at her eyes.  She had the prettiest eyes and a sweet laugh. 

Hearing the story of Jason attempting to walk distracted George from the fear crawling up from the pit of his gut.  Ever since a string of bad dental experiences, he swore he would never again sit in a dentist’s chair.  Too bad he didn’t take better care of his teeth.  He could have avoided this day.  Instead, a week of pain from three large cavities forced him to make the call for a visit. 

Now a day after the initial consultation, George just wanted it all to be over.  Breanne peered down to her patient.  She asked, “You doin’ ok, Mr. George?”

Forcing a smile and giving a big sigh, George replied, “I just want it to be over.”

The doctor walked in as Melissa said, “Don’t you worry about a thing.  We’re gonna take care of you.”

Breanne added, “Yes, it will all be over soon enough.”

George couldn’t help but notice an ominous tone but he could only read her eyes.  He felt nervous tension rise within him.  Then Dr. Craig announced, “Good morning all!  How are you doing today Mr. George?”

Both nurses chimed in unison, “Good morning, doctor.”

George added, “I’m doing as well as expected, I guess.”

More prep work was completed and George sat on chair that was now reclining.  Dr. Craig said, “Ok, I’m going to give you just a little bit of this stuff to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.”

“Ok.”

“Ok, you should feel a little coldness in your vein about now.”

“Ok.”

Soon, George had a feeling like his whole being was sliding down.  Thoughts and sights were sliding through time.  Each vision and thought had a trailing edge to them.  He turned his head back and forth as he looked at the three masked people standing above him.  Dr. Craig asked, “Do you feel any itchiness?”

With a slur, George said, “N, nooo.  I don’t ffeeeellll aaannny ttthhhingggg.”

The trio exchanged glances.  Their eyes changed.  Suddenly, George noticed vile, menacing eyes glaring at him.  Was it the drugs?  He saw Dr. Craig shoot another needle into the tube running to his arm and the doctor added, “This will take care of you.”  The nurses laughed maniacally as each revealed a scalpel. 

George started to protest.  He thought he was raising his arms but nothing moved.  Consciousness left him.  As reality faded, George felt cutting begin on his chest and stomach.  He vaguely noted light as Dr. Craig opened his eyes in order to remove them.

When they finished, Dr. Craig announced sorrow over the loss of Mr. George.  Then he added, “At least he died saving the lives of ten of our richest friends.  He will even help a teenage boy regain his sight.”